Ohio Gov. Kasich expected to sign 'Kevin Kelley' bill

COLUMBUS -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich is ready to receive Senate Bill 20, better known as the "Kevin Kelley" bill, and is expected to sign it into law.

Senate Bill 20 changes the law so that when a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony committed while serving in a public position of honor, trust, or profit, his disability benefits are terminated if his disability was caused by his commission of that felony.

In addition, any part of his disability benefits that were received prior to his conviction or guilty plea that were caused by his commission of a felony must be paid back to the state.

The name refers to one of the primary players in the Cuyahoga County corruption scandal, J Kevin Kelley.

Kelley was charged June 12, 2009 and pleaded guilty July 1, 2009.

He is awaiting sentencing on multiple conspiracy, theft and bribery charges. Kelley worked for the county engineer's office and was also on the Parma school board.

In September, 2009, Kelley became eligible to receive medical disability payments just weeks after he pleaded guilty in federal court to all the public corruption charges.

On July 1, 2009, he told the judge he was under a doctor's care for depression and insomnia. He said he sought the care for months after federal officials raided his home July 28, 2008.

Kelley and his family have since moved to Florida and he still receives disability payments.

State Sen. Tim Grendell introduced the bill.

"This was a victory for the taxpayers of Ohio and sends a message to public officials that crime doesn't pay," said Grendell.